• Australian Post Office establishes a Research Section with a mission to introduce new technology into the telephone networks to maintain their technical and economic viability.
• Sidney Witt the first employee.

• Applied new repeater technology, the vacuum tube, to voice frequency trunk services by installing the first 3 channel carrier system in Australia on the Sydney to Melbourne trunk route.
• Engineered the first simultaneous interstate radio broadcast between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide via network hook-up of six stations (2FC, 2BL, 3LO, 3AR, 4QG and 5CL).

• Engineered a national radio broadcast relay network for the opening of Parliament house, Canberra, by the Duke of York.
• Established facilities and standards for precise measurement and calibration of telecommunications test equipment.

• Set up Australia's first high-frequency (HF) radio transmitter at Lyndhurst, Victoria. 1928 - 1944.
• Carried out studies of telegraph systems, multiplexing of telephony and telegraphy services over the network.
• Contributed to the establishment of an emergency telegraph service during World War II.

• Established first frequency standards to provide national time and frequency standards.

• Began scientific research program - chemistry, metallurgy and applied physics. This became important for reliability assessment and quality control of telecommunications equipment.

• Moved to 59 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. 35 staff.

• High-frequency radio transmitter set up at Lyndhurst (see 1928) provides broadcast services to listeners beyond the reach of medium-frequency transmission.

• Assisted in installing the coaxial submarine cable between Victoria and Tasmania via King Island. At the time the longest in the world. Cable had a bandwidth of 40 kHz (6 channels).

• Engineered the first Australian 12 channel VHF (Very High Frequency) radio telephone system between Victoria and Tasmania, a distance of 168 miles, to provide a service while the submarine cable was under repair.

• Assisted in development of radar and communication systems for World War II effort.

• Designed and set up a short-wave transmitting station to broadcast to the South Pacific islands and South East Asia. This later became Radio Australia.

• Eric Wright appointed Director.

• Conducted the first experimental studies of VHF mobile services.
• Extended radio telephony studies to VHF and UHF systems, including antenna design.

• Initiated Australia's first fax service, the "picturegram", between capital cities. The service was largely used by newspapers for transmitting news photographs.

• Norman James McCay appointed Director.

• Constructed and installed a 9 channel carrier system for the Victoria to Tasmania coaxial submarine cable in order to increase its capacity from 6 to 15 channels.
• First telex service introduced to Australia (followed by international telex links in 1959).

• Received one of Australia's first samples of epoxy resin. Subsequent research and development produced a range of products and techniques for sealing and jointing cables.

• First public television broadcast in Australia. The Labs played a key role by recommending the adoption of the 625 line PAL standard which was adopted. The recommendation came after years of research, including the development of a video transmission test set in the early 1950's.

• First use of transistorised equipment in the Australian network on the Normanton - Burketown route.

• Leonard Harris appointed Director.
  
• First open day.
  
• Began investigating digital coding and transmission using semiconductor devices. These studies contributed to the later introduction of Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) systems into the Australian network.
• Began investigating the use of satellites in telecommunications.
  

• Fully solid state time division multiplexed model telephone exchange developed called SCATS - one of the first in the world.
• Involved in transmitter installation and operation of the Goonhilly earth station during historic exchange of TV and telephone signals between the UK and USA via Telstar 1.

• Commenced first tests of data transmission over the switched analogue network at speeds of up to 2,400 bits/sec. This was focused on the NASA space program and included the design and installation of special filters to enhance the group delay transmission characteristics of data lines used in the program. The Labs later received NASA recognition for their efforts.

• 1963 Devised an airborne system to relay from Victoria to Adelaide television coverage of the Royal Visit by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for the the fiftieth anniversary of the naming of Canberra.

• Percy Brett appointed Director.

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1965-1978
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• Commenced work on Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) systems for digital transmission of multi-channel systems over inter-exchange copper cable networks. This was the first step in the evolution of the network from analogue to digital. Purchased a number of commercial PCM systems for experimentation which were the first PCM systems in the world.

• Contributed to route selection for east-west microwave trunk route across Australia.

• Began participation in international CCITT (now ITU) field trial of a common channel signalling standard. This lead to the design and delivery in 1973 of the first fully electronic exchange to switch live telephone traffic in Australia.

• Conducted extensive propagation measurements on the Nullabor Plains in preparation for the construction of the East - West microwave link. A variety of testing sites were set up and teams from the Labs lived and worked on-site for up to 3 weeks at a time.

• Completed field trial and recommended introduction of nylon-jacket cable, which was resistant to termites. Previously, termites were a significant threat to plastic sheathed cables in Australia.

• Open day

• Began investigating the use of satellites for mobile services and services to the outback.

• Commenced investigations into the use of optical fibre for communications.

• Video telephone system developed and tested in satellite linked trials between Australia and the UK. Used multi-layer printed circuit boards designed and produced in the Labs.
• Demonstrated transmission of analogue video signals over optical fibre.
• Seven hectares of land purchased in Blackburn Rd. Clayton for future Laboratories site. Another 12 hectares also purchased for future development.

• Golden Jubilee. Major open day to celebrate 50 years since inception.
• Development of an experimental, all-electronic, stored program controlled (SPC) tandem exchange that utilised digital techniques to Integrate Switching and Transmission (IST) functions. It incorporated digital switching and transmission, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) systems and Stored Programming Control (SPC) The first in Australia. In service until 1991.
• Began feasibility study of an advanced experimental network and terminal device for executives. Features planned included computer controlled switching and access, hands-free and video telephony, fax, messaging and conferencing.
• Construction commences on stage one of the new Laboratories site in Blackburn Rd. Clayton.

• Metallurgical testing of a broken crane and of network equipment resulted in improved methods for crane mast welding and network equipment manufacture, enhancing both worker safety and network reliability.

• Telecom Australia formed.
• Section of the Laboratories moves from CBD to Clayton in rented accommodation called Lyon Park.

• Edward Sandbach appointed Director.
• Developed and tested computer simulation to predict field strength for mobile radio telephone service. The computer system was cheaper, faster and more accurate than existing field measurement techniques.
• Evaluated operation of IST exchange in Melbourne network (St Kilda exchange) to prepare for the introduction of programming control and digital switching to the Telstra network.
• Tested new facsimile equipment for Telecom Australia that allowed for the transmission of business documents (older equipment had been used only for news photos and maps).
• Enhancement of TRL scanning electron microscope (SEM) to include x-ray microprobe for examining optical fibres and laser diodes.
• Collaborated with University of Melbourne and Eye and Ear Hospital to develop silicon chip for a "bionic ear".

• Stage one of the new Laboratories site in Clayton completed and some staff move to Clayton.
• Investigated and recommended improvements to Telstra public telephone cabinets to minimise heat and noise.
• Recommended changes to Touchfone keypads that increased product reliability and longevity.

• Commenced work in Customer Access Network (CAN). This led to transmission network designs far basic rate ISDN in the CAN network.
• Improved telecommunications cable materials in use in Australia by finding a moisture-barriered cable and a termite-resistant cable sheath (termites proved a significant threat to plastic sheathed cables in some parts of Australia).
• Monitored processor performance in SPC exchanges to improve traffic handling and exchange capacity.
• Official opening of new Laboratories site in Clayton.
• Construction commences on stage two of the new Laboratories site in Blackburn Rd. Clayton.

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1979-1992
___________

• Developed a Digital Radio Concentrator System (DRCS) for providing PSTN telephone access to rural communities. Licensed to NEC. In 2000, still in use.
• Evaluated packet switching techniques and protocols in preparation for the introduction of a national data network.
• Research on machine speech recognition showed that such systems could be used for voice-operated telephone services, but were not economically viable for this application.
• Evaluated incorporation of microprocessors into the integrated switching and transmission exchange developed at TRL in the mid-70s.
• Developed an innovative video image processing technique to characterise optical fibre.
• Detected and overcame a materials problem in solar cell panels used for powering outback equipment, preventing subsequent reduction in power output.
• Began rigorous field tests on plastic safety helmets to observe effects of prolonged UV exposure. The aim was to ensure maximum protection for the 23,000 field staff who rely on them.
• Developed studio specifications (sound, lighting, etc.) for interstate videoconferencing facility.

• Provided ABC and Australian Government with technical advice on direct home and community broadcast satellite services via small earth-station receivers.
• Collaborated in development of telephone for the disabled.
• Advised on and tested material for glass-reinforced plastic protective structure around TV and FM radio equipment on Mt Wellington tower outside Hobart.
• Recommended use of "new generation" paints on the galvanised steel Black Mountain Tower (Canberra) based on TRL weather durability trials.

• Experimental optical fibre link installed between two exchanges near the Labs.
• Recommended use of single mode fibre for the long distance network.
• Evaluated automated voice response systems-including user response to the "naturalness" and quality of the synthesised voice for use in directory assistance services.
• Investigated data rates, dimensioning and protocols required for delivery of different analogue and digital services over the national telecommunications network.
• Investigated CCITT standard for data links between SPC switching systems for handling telephone and data services over an integrated services digital network (ISDN).

• Assisted in design of microelectronics for the Cochlear ear implant. The ear is an implantable hearing device designed to help the hearing impaired and profoundly deaf who are unable to benefit from traditional hearing aids.
• Carried out significant studies of packet switching and multimedia requirements for digital networks, including use of electronic directories, encryption and access control.
• Recommended that an all digital network be constructed. At the time, this view was not supported by the planners in other areas of the organisation.
• Used materials research capabilities to detect manufacturing faults in network equipment.
• Evaluated and recommended improvements to solar cell equipment for a range of environments.
• Stage two of new Laboratories complex at Blackburn Rd. Clayton completed. All Melbourne based staff move to Clayton.

• First DRCS systems installed (see 1979).
• Demonstrated that gel type filling components widely used in the US for waterproofing cables were unsuitable for Australian conditions and demonstrated the superior performance of Australian made compounds.
• TRL improved short-wave broadcasting service operating from Lyndhurst, Victoria, by introducing new time code format. This was important for areas where short wave radio was the only source of accurate time information - in applications such as surveying, data logging, telemetry and shipping.

• Harry Wragge appointed Director.
• All of the Laboratories located to 770 Blackburn Road, Clayton in specially constructed buildings. Previously scattered over 6 buildings in CBD and Clayton.
• Open day.
• Began investigating the use of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) packet switching to support potential interactive multimedia services.
• Developed the concept of Passive Optical Networks (PON) for home access. Later also developed a prototype fibre access system (MACNET) to demonstrate PON architecture for laying optical fibre to the home.
• Developed high-level security system for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFTPOS). Services based on public key cryptography.
• Telstra laid the first long distance optical fibre cable between Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory - an important milestone in the history of telecommunications.
• In collaboration with Adelaide University, developed new network optimisation and design package for Telstra, tested using a computer simulation of the Melbourne Telephone Network. This saved Telstra millions of dollars in network development costs.
• Developed PROTEAN, a computer tool for the verification of telecommunications protocols, used to detect errors in Telecom systems at the specification stage, and errors in emerging international standards.
• Evaluated the effects of flaws on the longevity and transmission performance of optical fibre.
• Developed a computer model to determine the most cost-effective power supply option (solar cells, wind and diesel generators, gas turbines and batteries) option for remote locations.
• Carried out laboratory studies of lightning effects on optical fibre cables (to find ways of minimising damage), and of hailstone damage to solar cell equipment.

• Developed prototype electronic directory system based on emerging international standards, and investigated possible user interfaces for online public directories

• Evaluated speech privacy systems for analogue and digital networks, which later led to the development of the SpeakEasy speech privacy product.

• Began investigating the technical and economic viability of satellite based mobile communications to remote areas using helicopter borne based test transmitters.
• Developed and tested concept for intelligent network architecture to support the first Priority One3 service.
• Used specialised test facilities to test and refine keypad and other design aspects of Touchfone 200.
• Developed new microprocessor-controlled "speaking clock" system for Time of Day Dial-it telephone service.
• Made a significant contribution to the formulation of the CCITT X.500 electronic directory standard.
• Staff based at Winterton Rd. Clayton move to Blackburn Rd. First time since the 1940's that all Laboratories staff were on the one site.

• The Corporate Electronic Directory (CED) is released for internal Telecom use. Based on X.500 recommendations, the system provides extensive facilities for update and retrieval of organisational and staff details via a friendly user interface.
• Began investigating integration of video with data and voice services over packet-switched networks.
• Developed prototype expert system, EXPRES, to enable field staff to locate faults in cable plant faster and more precisely, resulting in more efficient repairs and preventative maintenance of external cable plant.
• TRL is awarded the Engineering Excellence Award (Victorian Division) for the design and construction of a novel Recirculating Inert Atmosphere Chamber (RIAC). These devices provide an inert, controlled atmosphere for the storage of substances, such as certain chemicals, that are easily contaminated by water or oxygen.
• Harry Wragge appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia in recognition of his lifelong contribution to telecommunication technology in Australia.

• Determined the cause of underground optical fibre cables being cut in Western Australia and recommended a solution. A bush known as the "Christmas Tree Plant" has roots adapted to cut the roots of other plants (or cables) and was cutting smaller diameter cables as if they were roots of a competitor. Solution was too increase size of cables.
• Prepared siting guidelines to minimise effect of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from radio waves on telecommunications equipment (antennas, etc).
• Developed private expert network evaluation environment tool (PENEE) for designing and pricing Telecom networks to enhance the efficiency of sales staff required to quote on network solutions.
• Developed timeslot exchanger and monitor (TEM) for centralised and consistent testing of ISDN network.

• Began field trials of SDH (synchronous digital hierarchy) technology for phased introduction in 1992-93.
• Led a major international standards effort to enhance the X.500 electronic directory standard by the addition of enhanced features (better access control, search facilities, and information formatting and retrieval mechanisms).
• Pioneered development of a prototype fibre access system (MACNET) to demonstrate passive optical network architecture for laying optical fibre to the home. Passive optical networks reduce the amount of fibre and optoelectronics required to provide optical access to a cluster of homes and customers.
• Labs work improves time and frequency standards for Telstra - quality of service and remote calibration for customers. TRL’s standards facilities included (then) state of the art caesium beam frequency standards.
• The IST model exchange operating at St. Kilda is officially closed and decommissioned at a lavish ceremony attended by dignitaries and TRL staff.
  

• Ray Liggett appointed Director.
• Cold Clamp concept developed and used on a real fault situation. The clamp is used to pinpoint physical positions on an optical fibre. The clamp allows the fibre to be frozen using liquid nitrogen which increases the fibre loss at the clamping point. Other instruments can detect the clamping point and use this information to determine problems at other points along the fibre.
• Played important role in establishing and maximising number of video channels in Telecom’s Lasercast network (Lasercast was a commercial service involving the delivery of video services to business customers).

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1993-
___________

• Bruno Sorrentino appointed Director and resigns after 5 weeks.
• James Park appointed Director.
• Provided key technical advice on the Future Mode of Operation (FMO).
• Began planning and designing an Experimental Broadband Network, Australia’s first large scale trial broadband network based on ATM.

• Carried out field trials of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) for delivery of video services to the home over the copper network.
• Developed a novel helpdesk system for use by Mobile Networks customer service staff.
• Developed Human Factors Kit, which was incorporated into the Telstra product development process to improve Telstra documentation and software interfaces.
• TRL plays a leading role in defining a new software architecture called TINA that will pave the way for the convergence of computing, communication, broadcast and advanced network communication.